B.P.O.E. A Fraternal Organization

HUSKER ELKPublished for the Elk Members of Nebraska Lodges

NONPROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. PostagePaid

PERMIT NO. 50SPRING 2021

DENNIS & JANE BERGGREN Grand Island Lodge #604 doing a welcome home for a veteran this past year!

Receiving the recognition for 75 years in service to our Lodge area, Broken Bow Elks Lodge #1688 was presented a 75-year honorarium plaque for our Lodge from the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce. Receiving the plaque from, on the left, Vedah Fales representing the Chamber of Commerce are Exalted Ruler Mona Weatherly, and Lodge Treasurer Kayla Haberstick.

Mark Your CalendarsFall Conference August 27-29, 2021

75 Years Strong!

A RECEPTION was held for State President Keith Nielson and his family before the General Banquet on Saturday evening. Keith and Roxie will lead the Nebraska State Elks Association through another term due to the COVID-19. All in attendance wished the Nielson’s the best in 2021-22.

KEARNEY ELKS Secretary Doug Kramer, Deb Eickhoff-KHS Teammate Coordinator, Dana Ernst-Exalted Ruler, and Jaci Pohl-Kearney Elks Lodge Grants Coordinator present the KHS Teammates with a Kearney Elks Lodge #984 ENF Beacon Grant in the amount of $2,500. These funds were used for the Teammates Mentoring Program to purchase mentor face masks, individual hand sanitizers and activities for matches to do either via Zoom or without contact once they can meet in person.

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KEITH NIELSONPresident Nebraska Elks Association

A Court of Honor Ceremony was held for new Eagle Scout Ryan Yost of Boy Scout Troop #124 on March 28, 2021. Norfolk Lodge #653 had member in attendance for the presentation. Ryan’s Eagle Scout Project consisted of removing and placing new playground equipment at St. Johns Luthern Church.

PRESENTING AN AMERICAN FLAG to Eagle Scout Ryan Yost was Bob Huntley Lodge #1203 Eagle Scout Director and Tracy Yost, Mother, Elk Member and District Director of area scouts.

Members All,In 2003 I heard my first presidents message to the as-

sociation with the theme “Pulling Together” which was presented by my father Dale E. Nielson. Much of what he said pertains to what we do today as an association. I have had the opportunity this last year to serve the association as your state president and our lodges have “Pulled Together” to overcome the obstacles that COVID 19 place on our lodges. Lodges have been resilient in finding ways to still serve our communities.

Congratulations to all of the members and lodges that re-ceived recognition at the 109th Nebraska Elks Convention. Your dedication to the programs of the Order can not be understated. As members if you are looking for guidance on the programs that these members were recognized visit with them. I am sure they will share their experiences. Each of us has the ability to do what these lodges and individuals have done in their lodges.

For those of you that were not able to attend the convention I presented to association my message after installation and that message follows:

“You may think that I am the first state presi-dent to serve more than one term as state presi-dent. When you review the historical records this is not the case. In 1912-1913 C. A. McCloud from York Lodge #1024 served two years. You can only speculate as to the reasons why. This was near the timeline of when the Spanish Flu hit the United States. Similar to the pandemic we currently faced in 2020. But we have no records of that being the case. I think it is what currently happens in some of our lodges today. Where once you are elected you have that position until you say no to another term in office. Or because we were in the founding of our association and C. A. McCloud continued until the state bylaws were ratified by our lodges. Again this is speculation but it makes the most plausible sense. Since 1913

our state presidents have only served a one year term.Now fast forward to the summer of 2001. I was home

working a summer job with a local seed company and Dad called and asked again if I would join the Elks and I said yes I would. By that time Dad was a vice president. By the time my application was approved it was time to go back to my teaching job in Gering which is a 5 ½ drive back to Grand Island for initiation. Dad as the lodge secretary drove to Scottsbluff to have me initiated into the Elks, to sign the on the roster of the Grand Island Elks. I vividly remember that night in Scottsbluff. The officers had committed the ritual to memory. As I listened to the charges by each Knight I was not totally aware of what our organization is all about. Gary Cannon was the Leading Knight with his impressive charge I realized his charge was very similar to what I had learned as an FFA member in the FFA Creed which I still have burned into my memory about charity and community.

Several years later I found a teaching position closer to Grand Island and was able to go to the Grand Island Lodge for hamburger night. Six months later in January Peter Haase

was looking for officers to fill his appointed officer positions. I was asked to fill the Chaplain’s position. I was hesitant as many new recruits to an office would be. Not sure of what this would entail I sought guidance from Dad who had already served as and ER twice and as state president. His response was that it the decision you need to make on your own. I now know after serving in “Each must solve anew their problems for themselves”. I believe Dad knew I was ready for a position as an officer of the lodge, because I had a record of succeeding as an FFA officer in high school. That is one of the reasons the FFA emblem is on my state presidents pin. Both the Elks and FFA are committed to our communities with charity.

For new members to this group and officers of the asso-ciation you may not know I have 7 younger brothers and we grew up on the family farm. My brothers and I each had specific roles on the farm to fulfill which lead to the success of our farm. We were like the officers and members you have in your lodges today. Each of us has a part to fulfill in the success of our lodges and the state association. Each of us has been nurtured in our lodges as we move up in our responsibilities in the lodge. Many of you don’t remember PSP Gaylord Nielsen or PSP Denise Garrells but they were a part of my Elks family that nurtured and encouraged me through the chairs of the Grand Island Lodge to where I am today as your state president. My charge to each officer and member here today is to assume a role in our Elks Family and nurture our new and existing members in Elkdom. Without your guidance and support your lodge and our association can grow and accomplish much more.

Finally, I thank you for letting the current officers and I fulfill our duties for another year. I ask for your support to allow us to make sound decisions and move our association forward to meet the needs of communities and the association. May God bless each of you as we make this journey together as an Elks Family!”

Keith E. Nielson, PDDGER, State President

AFTER MANY YEARS of being covered up, one of the win-dows of the lodge has been opened up! Engineers wanted to view the condition of the currently covered up windows.As of right now, only one window has been opened…but, it is a glimpse into the future! Future plans involve all of the windows being uncovered historically treated.We are extremely excited to see what the future holds for our lodge!

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It is really quite simple to reinstate your membership in the Elks! Reinstate in your same lodge:

Go back to your old Lodge and ask the Secretary for an Application for Reinstatement. Fill out the form. Pay the prescribed fees.

Your application will be forwarded to the Investigat-ing Committee, who will contact you for an interview.

After the interview, the committee will make their recommendation to the members at a regular meeting.

After the Lodge vote, you will be notified by the Sec-retary. You will be required to pay a prorated portion of annual Lodge dues. Then you will be issued your membership card.

So, You Want to Be Reinstated?

With Covid 19 concerns in mind, this convention will be like none other. To observe social dis-tancing, several adjustments have been made by Grand Lodge. Gone is the hall with displays of State Major Projects and venders.

Pre-Registration is highly en-couraged, and attendees will pick up their credentials from their State Housing Director at their hotel, not the convention center. A schedule of times for picking up credentials will be emailed to all attendees in June. Everyone will need to reserve a ticket in advance

on Elks.org to attend all meetings, and seminars.

Our Hospitality room this year will be limited to the Nebraska delegation only. Sixty-six Ne-braska Elks Association members and guests have planned to attend the convention. On Tuesday evening, we have been invited to join the Kansas Elks Association delegation for a dinner cruise. Pre-registration and payment are required for this event. Current-ly, forty-three members of our delegation plan to attend. This promises to be a fun event!

Grand Lodge Convention Scheduledin Tampa, Florida — July 4 - 7, 2021

DAWSON MCGAHAN received the Eagle Scout Award at Martin Cordes Building on March 7, 2021. Robert Brittonn presented the Elks Eagle Award and American Flag on behalf of North Platte ELks Lodge #985. Robert Britton was the first Nebraska ELk to receive the Elks Grand Lodge Marvin Lewis Scouting Award. Present at the ceremony were left to right: Clydene Britton, Sherley Radke, Dawson McGahan, Kevin McGahan and Robert Britton.

From the Secretary’s Desk,The State convention in Grand Island on April 23rd

through 25th marked the beginning of my second year serving as your State Secretary. Thanks to the Covid 19 pandemic it feels more like my first year. As all of you know, State Convention and Fall Conferences were cancelled last year, as was Grand Lodge Con-vention. The state secretary has many things he must do in preparation for each of those events which were canceled, so this year is the first I will be completing many of those tasks. I ask for your patience while I work through this learning curve.

Although, we did not have our traditional meetings, be assured the business of the State Association con-tinued. All State officers uncontested and appointed were sworn in by Past State Presidents and PER’s at their home lodges. The state trustees, elected state officers and State Sponsor James McQuillan met via Zoom when we needed to adjust how we did business.

Many Lodges were forced to close their doors due to the pandemic. This was another issue that required a zoom meeting. Because of all events being can-celed. there was room in the budget to allocate funds to the lodges. It was voted to send a $3,000 shot in the arm to the lodges.

Due to the pandemic, we were not able to get The Kids on The Block program into schools. In the spirit of “Elks Care, Elks Share”, some funds allocated for this program were redirected into $1.500 checks to each lodge to be given to food pantries that the lodg-es identified in their communities. The final action that was taken via zoom meeting was developing a

resolution for all the state officers to be re-elected and re-appoint-ed to the posi-tion that they served for the 2020-21 year. This resolution was presented and voted on at the 2021 State Convention.

T h a t m y friends, is the reader’s digest version of 2020 the year that was. I hope it was informa-tive and showed that the Nebras-ka Elks Asso-c ia t ion t ru ly lives the motto, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”

Fraternally, Barry Hopkins, PDDGER

Nebraska Elks Association Secretary

COMPLYING WITH COVID-19 restrictions North Platte Elks Lodge 985 participated at Trunk or Treat drive through held at the First United Methodist Church in North Platte on October 31, 2020. Children and many parents wore their Halloween Costumes. De-spite limitations Elroy The Elk welcomed all participants. Elk members Keith Nielson, Roxie Nielson, Jon Jacobson, Bob Brit-ton, Clydene Britton, Jim Nisley and Shirley Nisley participated on this project.

STATE SPONSOR James Mc Quillan addressed Elk member during District Deputy Clinics held Saturday morning.

Elroy the Elk aka SP Keith Nielson, Greeted All who Attend the Trunk or Treat Held at Lodge #985

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BE A PROPOSERBe Active, Participate, Join in Building Your Elk Lodge!

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK.....

JAMESMCQUILLAN

PGER, Past President& State Sponsor

HELLO NEBRASKA ELKS!Today we are experiencing a chilly, misty day with the fore-

cast calling for similar weather in most of the coming week. Hopefully the forecast will prove accurate as the moisture is certainly welcome after a very dry 2020 in most of Nebraska.

The weather continues to be one thing we humans can’t control. Another thing we can’t seem to control are the indi-viduals we elect to positions of leadership locally, statewide and particularly at the national level. The divisiveness and downright hatred displayed by many of them threaten to damage, if not destroy, the greatest country in the history of the world. Until recently I have been opposed to term limits for government officials. I am beginning to believe it may be the only hope to salvage our republic. Enough!!

Thankfully things seem to be returning to some semblance of normalcy. The number of our citizens who have been vaccinated for the COVID-19 increases daily in all parts of the country and the numbers of new cases, hospitalizations

and deaths are declining. One thing that continues to amaze me is the differences in government response to the COVID-19 and the success or lack thereof to the varied restrictions placed on citizens by state and local authorities. Hopefully many lessons can be learned from these successes and failures for the future.

Elks Lodges and the Order of Elks have been adversely affected by the COVID-19. Many have been closed down, particularly club operations. Membership has also been adversely affected with larger numbers of members failing to pay their dues and the inability to attract very many new members. Most Lodges throughout the country have experienced a loss of membership including our own Lodges here in Nebraska.

Thankfully we were able to have the 2021 State Convention at the end of April and we had a large turnout of members. Unfortunately, Therese and my attendance was cut short as a result of the death of my four and a half year old great grandson after a heroic battle with a genetic disorder for more than six months. Jace taught our family and our expanded family who supported us with their prayers and much more a valuable lesson never ever to give up. Thanks to all for your support.

Even during the shutdown our Lodges were able to utilize ENF funds to benefit their communities. Many contributed to community food pantries and other community organizations that provided direct benefits to those in need. A good example was the use of an Impact Grant by Grand Island Lodge No. 904 in the amount of $10,000.00 for a program providing monthly food boxes for Veterans in the Grand Island vicinity.

Speaking of the Elks National Foundation, thank you to the Elks of Nebraska for continuing fantastic support during

this past very trying year. Seventeen of our nineteen Lodges exceeded the Grand Exalted Ruler’s goal of $4.80 per member including all Lodges in the east and central districts. I want to give special recognition to the following Lodges: Lincoln Lodge No. 80 – contributions of $6,296.50 or $27.984 per member; Grand Island Lodge No. 904 – contributions of $5,700.00 or $24.153 per member; North Platte Lodge No. 985 – contributions of $1,317.50 or $17.336 per member; and Fairbury Lodge No. 1203 – contributions of $3,689.67 or $12.465 per member. Total contributions from Nebraska Lodge Members were $41,695.94 and the Nebraska State Elks Association received back from ENF in grants $71,720.00 and local lodges received $116,500.00 in Community Investment Programs grants for a total of $182,220.00. Not a bad return on investment I am sure you would agree. But that is not all Nebraska students received scholarship awards and grants from ENF in the amount of $36,000.00.

Speaking of funds received, I would want the general mem-bership of Nebraska Lodges to know that during a tough past year all Nebraska Lodges received $1,500.00 from the Grand Lodge and $3,000.00 from the Nebraska Elks Association as one-time grants. The total amount distributed to the Nebraska Lodges by the Grand Lodge was $28,500.00 and the total amount distributed to the Nebraska Lodges by the Nebraska Elks Association was $57,000.00 or a total of $85,500.00.

The latest news on the pandemic seems to be positive and it appears we may be moving toward a more “near” normal life in the days and weeks ahead. In the meantime, stay safe and my God Bless all of you, the Order of Elks and the United States of America.

Sincerely and Fraternally,James M. McQuillan

Past Grand Exalted Ruler andSponsor of Nebraska

The Broken Bow Elks Lodge #1688 was honored to help the Riley Weems family with a Lodge Benevolence donation. Pictured with ER Mona Weath-erly on left and Lodge Secretary Nancy Sedlacek are Jennifer Weems holding daughter Mad-elyn, Riley with Carter in the front. Carter was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome, and one of the symptoms is the in-ability to hold an upright posi-tion. As Carter has grown, it has been increasingly difficult to care for and feed him with no proper chair to protect and hold him. Ten different organizations and businesses in Broken Bow, Nebraska collaborated with do-nations to provide a specialized chair for the Weems’ family. The chair will serve Carter for years to come as it has a weight limit of 150 lbs. Ruskin Fire Department member Troy Kniep and Bruce

Tinkham, Chaplin, Superior Lodge #2197Superior Elks Lodge received a $2000 Gratitude Grant. We used

this Grant to purchase Personal Protective Equipment. We gave the gloves. masks and hand sanitizers to the Ruskin Volunteer Fire Department, Nuckolls County Sherriff ’s Department, Jewell County Sherriff ’s Department, Presbyterian Church, Superior Schools, Lighthouse Christian Childcare Center and Superior Ministerial Association.

Superior Lodge #2197 PutsGratitude Grant to Good Use

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PAUL R. RYANGrand Exhalted Ruler

The convention began for me early Friday morning. As a member of Grand Island Lodge Ritual team and we were slated to perform at 8:30 am. Next on the schedule was the Advisory meeting. A quick Lunch, then off to the Trustee meeting. After the trustee meeting, I was honored to assist in judging the 11 O’clock toast contest. It was my pleasure to attend the Presidents dinner in recognition of Past State President Larry Schwindt.

Saturday morning the business meeting started at 8:30 AM. I think that most did not mind sitting through the various committee reports because it was good to see faces, we haven’t seen in over a year. It was a little strange for me to be sitting up front. Sadly, shortly before we broke for the District Deputy Clinics our State Sponsor James McQuillan informed us that he and Therese would have to leave due to a sudden death in the family. Following the DD clinics judging the Jolly Cork toast and the flag tribute contests was next on the schedule. A stroll down the hall after that found me in the ER-PER luncheon and auction. There were many items up for bidding to raise money for the PER Scholarships. As usual this lasted most of the

afternoon. A quick trip home to freshen up before the reception for State President Keith Nielson and the evening banquet.

At the Banquet it was announced that the Grand Island Ritual team will be representing Nebraska in Tampa in the Grand Lodge com-petition. The top lodges from each district were recognized by ENF Chairman Dennis Berggren. Lodge Activities Chair Dick Hansen rec-ognized the State Officer and Elk of the Year. We had the pleasure of hearing from two Most Valuable Student Scholarship recipients of their plans and goals.

Sunday morning meeting had us voting on the Covid 19 resolution. Which kept all elected and appoint-ed officers in the same position as they were elected and appointed for 2020-21. The resolution passed. We heard the reports of the District Deputies and committee chairs be-fore the morning break to prepare for the annual Memorial Service where special recognition to the four past presidents who passed since our last memorial service. The swearing in of the state officers and the State President’s remarks closed out the Convention.

Barry Hopkins, PPDGER NE Elks Association Secretary

STATE CONVENTIONTHROUGH THE EYES OF THE SECRETARY

Message from the GEROur Flag, Our Loyalty, and Our Veterans

Honoring the flag of our country on a day of national recognition for our flag is one of the proudest things we can do as Elks. After all, Flag Day was first introduced by the Elks.

You should be honored to put on the Flag Day ceremony. Talk to your city if they have a memorial that can be performed in conjunction with the Legion or VFW. My Lodge has performed it at a Veterans Hospital. Perform the ceremony in a place where many will see it and be educated by it. As you can see by my pin, the flag of the greatest country on earth is something that Stacey and I cherish deeply. I hope you will feel the same sense of pride this Flag Day.

That being said, you should also honor fathers this month. I know that my father has taught me a great plenty in life and I am so proud to call him dad.

My father-in-law has also been a great influence on me. My wife may have been the one that got me into the Elks, but he was the one who set me on my path and mentored me to where I am today. I am proud of them both and I am so glad that they have both been an influence to me.

Make sure to come to Tampa and partake in all of the great convention seminars and meetings. There is so much to do and so much to learn. You will also have a chance to meet other great Elks throughout the nation and gain new ideas and develop new connections. Don’t just rush out and join your own state in their hospitality room—go get introduced to others.

Stacey and I look forward to seeing you soon in Tampa. Remember to Create Momentum for the Future of Elkdom!

Holiday Inn - KearneyHighlights: Grand Exalted Ruler visit to Nebraska

State Golf Scramble on Friday the 27th

at the Kearney Country ClubEmail Jim Wilson at jlw55553@gmail.com

to register your 4 person team

Mark Your CalendarsFall Conference August 27-29, 2021

NEBRASKA CONTINGENT at the Regional Hoop Shoot were: Arron Martinez, Hoop Shoot chairman and wife Erika with Brooklynn Bohling 2nd place (8-9); Emmitt Garcia 3rd place (8-9); Avery Santo 1st place (10-11); Molli Kalsbeck 2nd place (12-13); Tyler Weismann 3rd place (12-13); & Jaxon Braithwait 4th place (10-11).

ELROY THE ELK handling out Mothers Day (2020) candy and coloring books at Fairbury Elks Lodge 1203. i.e. E R Kluge and Judith. Judith made the boxes that had the chocolates from Baker’s Candy in Greenwood. She did a wonderful job and included an Elks sticker inside each box with a decal on the top. Chocolates were supplied with a donation from Endicott Brick and Tile.

Take Me Out to the BallparkWhen: August 15, 2021

Where: Lincoln, NE Haymarket StadiumWho: RAILCATS vs. SALTDOGS

Time: 1:35 pmReservations and Cost:

Ticket Price is $5.00 + (Food is) $16 Adults & $13 KidsReservation and Prepayment are necessary by August 1st

Please send your payment to:Laurie Montag

5910 S 58th Ste. A — Lincoln, NE 68516

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Nebraska Elks 2020 - 21

ELK STATE CONVENTION BANQUET attendees heard from MVS Female recipi-ents for 2020 & 2021. Jency Starr of Tryon (left photo) thanked Elk members and is attending Nebraska Wesleyan. Kayla Ziegler, of York, was the 2021 award winner and will attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

THE JOHN BROOKS MEMORIAL “Heart of Elkdom Award” was presented to Lar-ry Jurgenn of Lincoln Lodge #80. Presenting the award were Larry Bratt and Larry Schwindt.

Elk’s State President Keith Nielson took a time to acknowledge his father Dale and thanked him for the positive impact throughout his life and in the realm of Elkdom.

STATE LODGE ACTIVITIES chairman Richard Hansen present Contest A Lodge Awards. Above, left photo is of 2020-21 award winner Kearney Lodge #984, ER Dana Ernst accepts. Right photo is of 2019-20 award winning Lodge #80, ER Harry Montag accepts.

RICHARD HANSEN presented the State Officer award for the past two years. Re-ceiving the 2019-20 Officer of the Year Award was Harry Montag of Lincoln Lodge #80. Recipient of the 2020-21 Officer of the Year Award was Lori Montag of Lincoln Lodge #80. The couple have given endless hours of their time and efforts for the good deeds done in Elkdom.

DDGER’S for 2021-22

Nebraska EastLarry Schwindt

Nebraska WestShirley Nisley

Nebraska CentralJeremy Brandt

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State Convention Highlights

STATE RITUAL WINNERS - Team Grand Island with an overall score of 97.176. Shown accepting their awards were (l to r): Exalted Ruler Jeremy Brandt, Inner Guard Bill Foster, Chaplin Barry Hopkins, Loyal Knight Linda Hop-kins and Leading Knight Teri Maloy. Not pictured: Esquire Jim Thompson and Lecturing Knight Kim Thompson.

KEN WARD, of Grand Island won the “Flag Tribute” and “Jolly Korks Toast” awards. Presenting were Larry Bratt and Gary Krajewski.

THE NUTZMAN AWARD went to Leading Knight Teri Maloy for her score of 95.842. Presenting were Larry Bratt and Gary Krajewski.

LORI MONTAG, of LIncoln Lodge #80 won the “Elev-en O’clock Toast” award. Presenting were Larry Bratt and Gary Krajewski.

DENNIS BERGGREN presented the ENF Per Capita Awards. From the left were Robert Kluge ER Fairbury #1203 - 3rd place, Teresa Maloy ER Grand Island #604 - 2nd place and Harry Montag ER Lincoln #80 - 1st place.

ENF COMMITTEE MEMBER Dennis Berggren pre-sented Bill Foster the ENF “Bronze Circle of Giving” plaque for his generous donations that further the works of the Elks National Foundation.

DENNIS BERGGREN presented the ENF High Per Capita Awards. From the left were Teresa Maloy ER Grand Island #604 - 2nd place $15.93, Shirley Nisley ER North Platte #985 - 3rd place $14.77 and Harry Montag ER Lincoln #80 - 1st place $25.05.

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KEARNEY LODGE OFFICERS making the presentation (left to right) were: Pete Peterson-Inner Guard, Jim Wilson-Past Exalted Ruler (PER), Paul Younes-Citizen of the Year, Dana Ernst, Current Exalted Ruler (ER) and PER, Doug Kramer-Secretary and PER, Riley Harris-Past Secretary and PER.

Kearney Elks Lodge #984 presents Paul Younes with 2019-2020 Citizen of the Year Award. We congratulate Paul Younes of Heartland Hospitality Co. in Kearney for being selected the Kearney Elks Lodge #984 2019-2020 Citizen of the Year. Paul is currently the President of Younes Hospitality in Kearney, NE. Per their website; “Younes Hospitality operates 14 hotels in Kearney, Co-lumbus, Norfolk, Hastings, Fremont and Grand Island, Nebraska. Younes Hospitality owns and operates the largest conference center between Omaha and Denver in the state-of-the-art Younes Conference Center”. Paul has been providing hospitality services to Kearney and surrounding areas for more than 40 years. He was one

of the original founders of the Kearney Area Com-munity Foundation over 25 years ago. Paul was given the UNK distinguished alumni award from the UNK Business College in 2017. In a previous Kearney Hub article, it was written, “Younes is an active member of the community and has served numerous boards and organizations, including Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, CHI Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation and UNK Foundation”. Paul Younes exhibits everything the Elks promotes; including charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. Congratulations Paul on being the Elks Kearney/Holdrege Lodge #984 Citizen of the Year for 2019-2020!!

Kearney Elks Lodge #984 Presents “Citizen of the Year Award”

Cozad Elks 2250 prepared 100 meals this evening for 100 law enforce-ment officers in Dawson County. The Nebraska State Patrol, Dawson Co. Sheriff ’s department and officers of Cozad, Gothenburg, and Lexington were served. Thank You to Waypoint Bank and Piney Express for helping with this event. They also served their spouses.

Keith Nielson, PDDGER, State PresidentNebraska Elks Association

THROUGH A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION from the Elks National Foundation, Broken Bow Elks Lodge #1688 was able to donate $2000.00 to Healing Hearts and Families in Broken Bow Nebraska. Healing Hearts and Families provides confidential services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking along with their families free of charge. Presenting and accepting the $2000.00 check to be used by an organization responding to those in need during the Covid-19 pandemic are left to right: Jodi Horky with HHF, Abdul Sughayar-Lodge Loyal Knight, Nancy Sedlacek-Lodge Secretary, Mona Weatherly –Lodge Exalted Ruler, Suellen Koepke-HHF Executive Director, Stan Sedlacek-Lodge Trustee/PER, Amy Tharp-Lodge Lecturing Knight, Paul Loy-Lodge Trustee/PER, Cynthia Huhman with HHF.

Cozad Lodge #2250 Shows Appreciation to Law Enforcement Officers and Family

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Elks Care ~ Elks Share

The Ainsworth Elks Lodge #1790 ran a corn maze with family friend-ly games and activities during the month of Octo-ber. The above photo was taken earlier last summer.

EXALTED RULER Dana Ernst, Nancy Klimek, CNVH Volunteer Coordinator, Jim Armagost-Kearney Elks Veteran’s Chair, Doug Kramer, Kearney Elks Secretary presented the 2020-2021 ENF Spotlight $2,000 Grant to Nancy Klimek, Central Nebraska Veterans Home Volunteer Coordinator. These funds will assist in providing “themed meals from local restaurants, along with being fun for the Veteran’s, this will be a nice boost to local restaurants who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic”.

FAIRBURY ELKS LODGE 1203 presented certificates and scholarships to four Teenagers of the Month at their January meeting. The students were Mia Carde-nas and Alyssa Kern from Washington County High School in Kansas and Anna Schmidt and Lucas Wiese from Tri County High School, DeWitt, Nebraska. The students and their parents are provided a meal prior to the start of the award ceremony. The Fairbury Lodge 1203 presents awards to eight of the schools from around the area.

ON FEBRUARY 18, 2021 Tanner Huber son of Jeff and Leslie Huber was awarded the highest advancement rank-Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. For this achievement Dick Freeling, Hastings Lodge Scout Chairman and Exalted Ruler Julie Rothfuss presented him with his Eagle Scout award from the Hastings Elks Lodge. Tanner led and completed his Eagle project in late May 2020. His project entailed cementing 104 PVC flag sleeves into the ground at the local Sutton cemetery. Over 286 hours of time was invested in the planning and execution of this project. Tanner led a total of 7 volunteers. Tanner has achieved over 35 merits badges as well as served in leadership roles in his boy’s scout troop. Tanner belongs to the Sutton Boy Scout Troop #164.

Eagle Scout Awarded to Tanner Huber

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BE A PROPOSERBe Active, Participate,

Join in Building Your Elk Lodge!*********

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ASK.....

SIXTEEN KIDS in need of winter coat will be gifted each with one through the generosity of the Elks National Foundation. After applying for a Beacon Grant through ENF our Lodge has been able to help many children with new clothing throughout our Lodge area. Another portion of the Grant has allowed the Lodge to donate the equivalent of ten Quilts of Valor to Veterans in our Lodge area. Broken Bow Lodge #1688 shown with the new coats are officers (front row left to right): Amy Tharp, Nancy Sedlacek, and Mona Weatherly. Back row left to right: Terry Glaze. Paul Loy, Becky Loy, Kevin Cooksley, Mick Clark, and Monte Clark.

Our 2020/21 lodge year started out much as everyone else’s – on hold due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. The lodge was closed from early March through May, and we installed our officers and convened lodge meetings via Zoom or Webex during that time. Our first meeting at the lodge was held on May 20, 2020, with most officers in physi-cal attendance and socially distanced, and subsequent meetings saw some attending via Zoom until June, when we all convened at the lodge.

Lodge #80 celebrated our first, and Nebraska’s second, Top Twenty MVS finalist, Filo Habib, in April 2020. Filo won a $20,000 scholar-ship, and we are looking forward to finally meeting him at our June dinner to hear how being an Elks Scholar in a pandemic year went.

Several officers and members took advantage of the lodge being closed to do some much-needed houseclean-ing, and several members volun-teered their time and labor to enlarge, improve access to, and organize our mezzanine-level storage area.

We started drive-up semi-weekly burger nights in May 2020, and members seemed to be receptive. We re-opened the Jolly Corker on June 1 with reduced hours. We started drive-up monthly dinners in early August 2020, and gradually returned to dine-in only over the last couple of months. On May 8th, we held our annual First Responders Recogni-tion Dinner at which we presented Medals of Service to recipients from the Lincoln Police Department, the Lincoln Fire Department, UNL Police Department, and the family of a deceased Lancaster County Deputy Sheriff. The Elks Medal of Valor was presented to the family of Investigator Luis “Mario” Herre-ra, who was shot in the line of duty last August and died of his injuries in September. State President Keith Nielson and District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Larry Schwindt were present at the ceremony, which was conducted by Larry Bratt, PER, and

Harry Montag, ER/PER. Due to the pandemic and limited

gathering sizes, we did not hold our Children’s Christmas Party, or our Teen of the Year or Youth Week cer-emonies. In alternative to the Chil-dren’s Christmas Party, the lodge donated the funds to City Impact Gifts of Love, Cedars, and WE CAN DO THIS. We held a drive-up Teen of the Year award pickup on May 30, 2020, and we mailed out certificates and letters of recognition to high school juniors, as well as awarded over $40,000 in scholarships by mail to high school seniors and legacies. We did not hold Hoop Shoot, but are looking forward to it this year. Our Elks teams were able to participate in the Lincoln Youth Football season, and the kids were happy about that.

The lodge applied and was ap-proved for all available grants, and since ENF allowed donation of the money this year, we did so. The Grat-itude Grant of $2,500 was donated to WE CAN DO THIS, a grassroots organization that fed the underpriv-ileged children in the neighborhood who were not at school and thus not eating. The Freedom Grant of $2,500 and the Beacon Grant of $3,500 were donated to Heroes Into Homes, an or-ganization that supported the Victory Apartments which houses formerly homeless veterans and those who are returning to civilian life. The Spot-light Grant of $2,000 was donated to the Lincoln Community Foundation to use in supporting non-profits that were helping with community needs exacerbated by COVID-19. Then in March, the Lodge presented the Lincoln Community Food Bank with the $1,500 check made possible by the Nebraska Elks Association. All in all, we feel the B.P.O. Elks did its part to help our community deal with the pandemic.

We lost our dear Bobby Clinken-beard in early April and we still miss his presence. We also lost three other brothers.

TO OUR ABSENT MEMBERS.

A Year of UncertaintyLincoln Lodge #80

“If there’s anything we can take from this, it’s we owe them everything we have just like the service men that fought overseas for us,” Lincoln Elks Larry Bratt said. “They gave us our freedom. These are the people that keep our freedom.”

Nebraska State Patrol trooper Jamieson Brown, Lincoln Police officer Joshua Fullerton, Lincoln Fire and Rescue Captain Bob Poe, University of Nebraska-Lincoln officer Caleb Gose along with fallen officers Investigator Mario Herrera and Deputy Troy Bailey were all recognized for their outstanding commitments to the community.

Brown was highlighted for his work within patrol and traffic services. In 2020, he compiled 24 felony arrests and 67 drug and alcohol violations.

“That’s the true unwavering, dedication that Jamieson shows,” Lieutenant Kaleb Bruggeman said.

Fullerton has worked in the canine unit. He was rec-ognized for his help with junior officers. He once bought a victim of domestic violence a hotel room, so she could have a place to sleep when she had nowhere to go.

“We very much appreciate his leadership, competency and compassion.” Acting Assistant Chief Jason Stille said.

Poe has worked in logistics for more than 20 years. He is known for answering every call to come in and help.

“He’s an outstanding employee,” Chief Kendall War-nock said. “He always answers the call when he came in. He’s a humble guy.”

Gose has served on the UNL force for just three years and has already left an indelible impact.

“The skill sets which Caleb exhibits at this point in his career…they model those of our veteran officers which makes his performance that much more commendable,” Captain John Baker said.

Loved ones of Herrera and Bailey accepted medals and certificates of service.

“I guess all I want to say is, between the 12 days that Mario was with us, he did it for us, he did it for the com-munity,” Mario’s wife Carrie said. “We all came together. He definitely left a mark on us.”

Speakers told stories of their time with the two indi-viduals and the impact they left on the entire community.

“He loved his family a ton, and he talked about them a lot,” Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said. “I’m more than proud to announce Deputy Troy Bailey as the Lancaster County Deputy Sheriff of the Year.”

The Lincoln Elks held its Annual First Responder’s DinnerDozens gathered to honor and recognize currentand fallen officers for their service to the community

HUSKER ELK - Page 11

Do You Know Us?We are

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We invite you to becomepart of this excitement.

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or any Benevolence Commission Member

Page 12 - HUSKER ELK

NORTH PLATTE LODGE #985 participated in the Elks Hide Proj-ect for Disabled Veterans for the year 2020. State President Keith Nielson was project chairman. Posters for the program were de-livered to the Nebraska Game and Parks and various businesses. Hides were delivered at the disignated in the rear parking lot. Salt, table and pallets were provided. Thanks to Deer Hunters donating the hides. 111 Deer hides were collected.

Deer Hide Projecta Success in 2020 for Lodge #985

SIDNEY LODGE #1894 ENF Chairman Donna Schluckebeir present out check to the Sidney Table of Grace Food Pantry.Due to the lack of activities done in 2020 due to COVID, the State of Nebraska ENF had money that needed to be donated. It was decided by the state board that they send $1500.00 to each Lodge to donate to a local food bank. The local food banks have been hit hard due to the COVID pandemic and that was part of the thought process for why they made the donation.

For our Wednesday Night Burger & Wing meals, we decided to dedicate 1 Wednesday a month to raising funds for various organizations or groups in the com-munity. For our first one, we honored Police Officers, State Troopers, & County Sherriff’s. Their meals were generously paid for by Gordy & Trina Stitt & Nicole

Peralta. ALL funds and tips were donated to the local SMAC (Students Making Great Choices) Program. We were able to present Curtis Hofrock with a check for $400! SMAC focuses on educating youth on the effects of drugs and alcohol.

3RD YEAR TRUSTEE Robert Kuhns, Secretary Cindy Bartling, SMAC Advisor Curtis Hofrock, Es-teemed Leading Knight Erin Huddleston, Esteemed Lecturing Knight Donna Schluckebeir, & Exhalt-ed Ruler Anita Pennell.

Sidney Lodge #1894Raises Funds for Organizations

NORTH PLATTE ELKS LODGE #985 assembled and distributed COVID-19 kits November 14, 2020 and January 23, 2021. The COVID-19 kits were distributed by North Platte Elks as people drove through the parking lot. The COVID-19 kits contained hand sanitizers, wipes, toilet paper, masks, rubber gloves and small personal items for sanitation needs. Veterans kits were also assembled which included playing cards, combs, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks and wool gloves. Over 150 kits were made and distributed. Lodge members: Jon Jacobson, State President Keith Nielson, First Lady Roxie Nielson, Ronda Fisher, Jim Nisley, Shirley Nisley, Bob Britton, Clydene Britton plus three Boy Scouts from Troop 81 in North Platte participated.